Orienting means for perforating apparatus



Feb. 2, 1965 M. P. LEBOURG 3,168,141

ORIENTING MEANS FOR FERFORATING APPARATUS Filed May 29, 1959 2Sheets-Sheet 1 \s 4 46 v V MUf/CE Zebu/x 97 ATTOR/Vf) United StatesPatent Ofifice 3,168,141

3,168,141 ORIENTING MEANS FOR PERFORATING APPARATUS Maurice P. Lebourg',Houston, Tex-.-, assignor to Schlurnberger Well Surveying Corporation,Houston, Tex., a corporation of Texas Filed May 29, 1959, Ser. No.816,993 19 Claims. (Cl. 16655.1)

This invention relates to perforating apparatus for use in oil wellcompletion operations and, more particularly, pertains to means fororienting a perforating apparatus in a borehole wherein the orientingmeans also serves to prevent premature firing of the perforatingapparatus until the perforating apparatus is properly oriented.

In a well completion technique wherein more than one string ofproduction tubing is in a cased borehole, it is often desirable toperforate the casing at a given level without damage to a tubing stringthat extends adjacent to and beyond the zone to be perforated. It istherefore necessary to orient the perforating apparatus so that a givenplane of firing does not intersect the adjacent section of the tubingand thereby damage it. Additionally, it is desirable to preventpremature firing of the perforating apparatus while it is passingthrough a tubing string yet permitting the apparatus to be fired at agiven location in the borehole.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending applicationSerial No. 760,138, filed September 10, 1958, for Orienting Means forPerforating Apparatus, now abandoned.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved orienting device for use with perforating apparatus.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved orienting device which will prevent premature firing of aperforating apparatus yet permit firing at a selected location in aproduction tubing.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved orienting device which will orient a plane of firing andprevent premature firing of a perforating apparatus until properorientation of the perforating apparatus has been accomplished.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improvedorienting device for use with a perforating apparatus in dual wellcompletion wherein the apparatus may be passed through a first string ofproduction tubing and prevented from premature firing therein andsubsequently oriented adjacent to a second string of production tubing,the orientation permitting firing of the perforating apparatus withoutperforation of the second tubing string.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by aperforating apparatus having an orienting device with orienting meansheld in a retracted condition during passage through a first productiontubing while effectively disconnecting the electrical firing circuit tothe perforating apparatus. The first production tubing is provided withan enlarged orienting pocket so that the orienting means may expand intothe pocket. This movement of the orienting means completes theelectrical continuity of the firing circuit at the same time theperforating apparatus is oriented in such a manner that the firing planedoes not intersect a second production tubing passing adjacent to thezone to be perforated.

In another aspect of the present invention, means are provided to lockthe orienting means in an expanded position.

The novel features of the present invention are set forth withparticularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as toits organization and manner Patented Feb. 2, 1965 of operation togetherwith further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood byway of illustration and example of certain embodiments when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational View of a tool embodying the present inventionshown together with associated perforating apparatus, all disposed in aborehole having production tubing therein;

FIG. 2 is a view in cross section of the tool taken along line 2--2 ofFIG. 1 and drawn to a larger scale;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 44 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of a firing and indicating system for thepresent invention.

Referring now to the drawings, in FIG. 1 a borehole 10 is lined withwell casing 9 traversing earth formations 11, 12 where a section ofcasing 9 adjacent formation 12 is to be perforated. Extending throughthe casing is a pair of strings of production tubing 13, 14 which aresuitably spaced from one another by conventional clamp means 15. Tubingstring 13 extends adjacent to and beyond the formation 12 while tubing14 is terminated just above the formation. A conventional packer 16 isprovided to seal off the space between the interior wall of the casing 9and the outer walls of tubing strings 13, 14 above the formation 12while another packer (not shown) may be likewise employed to seal ofithe space between casing 9 and tubing string 13 below the formation 12.It will be appreciated that rather than packing off the tubings incasing the tubings can be cemented in an open borehole.

An array of elements including a casing collar locator 17, an orientingand safety device 18 embodying the invention, a spacer member 19 and aperforating apparatus 20 are suitably coupled together and passedthrough the borehole by means of a Winch (not shown) and cable 21. Theorienting device 18 is shown positioned within a tubular locating pocket21 in the production tubing 14 so that the firing plane of theperforating apparatus lies in a plane perpendicular to the drawings andtherefore does not intersect the other production tubing 13. The casingcollar locator 17, spacer member 19 and perforating apparatus 20 arewellknown in the art and need not be further described. A typicalconventional perforator using shaped charges is illustrated in PatentNo. 2,853,944.

In FIG. 2, the orienting and safety device 18 embodying the invention isillustrated in an operative position in the tubular locating pocket 21which serves to orient the apparatus. Locating pocket 21 includes upperand lower tubular box end portions 22, 23 which are arranged tothreadedly receive the corresponding pin ends of upwardly and downwardlyextending portions of tubing 14. Integral with end portions 22 and 23are upper and lower offset transition sections 24 and 25 to which anenlarged tubular central member 26 is welded. The central axis 27 ofmember 26 is oflset from the central axis 28 of the tubing 14 so as todefine an enlarged locating recess 29. The transition section 24 has anupper central bore 30 aligned with the central axis 28 and a lowercentral bore 31 aligned with central axis 27. Section 25 likewise hasbores 32 and 33 aligned with axis 28, 27, respectively.

an opening in the housing, and a safety .device 38 at the upper end ofthe housing. I

Safety device 38 includes a cylindrical switch plug 39 having an upperand lower' end portion sized to be received in the lower end of easingcollar loc'ator 17 and in the upper end of the tubular housing 35,respectively. An intermediate outwardly extending flange 40 on switchplug 39 separates the lower end of the locator 17 from the upper endhousing 35. Suit-able fastening means, for example,;screws orthe like(not shown) rigidly secure the plug 39 to the locator 17 and housing 35.

At the upper end of switch plug 39, an electrical switch 41 is receivedin a recess 42 and secured thereinby suitable fastening and clampingmeans 43. Switch 41 includes a pair of contacts 44 and 46 connected toan input conductor 45 and an output conductor 47, respectively, andarranged to connect or disconnect the conductors 45, 47. The conductors45, 47 are included in one line of a firing circuit between a source ofpower (not shown) at the surface of the earth and the detonation circuit(not shown) of perforating apparatus 20, the remaining line beingcompleted by appropriate ground connections. Accordingly, detonation ofthe perforating apparatus is permitted only when contacts 44, 46 areelectrically connected together. 7

Output conductor 47 extends through "a longitudinal bore 49 in plug 39into 'and through'the housing 35 and is suitably connected to theperforating apparatus. A packing and a packing 'nut '50 fluidly seal theconductor 47 in the lower end of the bore 49. Movable contact 44 of theswitch 41 is adapted to bfeactuated by a 'slidable tab member to closewith contact 46 in the position shown while downward movement of tabmember 51 permits a spring 48 to disconnect contacts 44, 46. Tab member51 is suitably connected .to the upper end of a cylindrical actuatingrod 52 by lock 'nuts53 threadedly received on the rod. Rod 52is slidablyreceived within a longitudinal bore 54 in plug 39 and fluidly sealedtherein by means of packing and packing nut 55. Below plug 39, the rod52 is enlarged to form an upwardly facing shoulder '56 which limitsmovement of the rod in an upward direction, the lower end of the rodbeing bifurcated to receive an upper end portion of the upper arm 36. Apin 58 pivotally secures rod 52 to arm I With respect to the above descn'bed switch and. switch plug, it will be understood, of coursepthatthe number of conductors passed through plug 39 is a matter of choice.

Turning now to the orienting 'me'ans,fthe intermediate portion ofhousing 35 has a longitudinally extending window 59 (FIG. 3) permittingextension of the upper arm 36 and lower arm 37 outwardly of the housing.Upper arm 36 is in the form of a flat plate of generally arcuateconfiguration presenting a convex portion 59' to which a narrow width,flange-like wall-engaging strip 60 is attached (FIG. '4). The arm ispivotally connected at an upper end portion tothe housing 35 by acylindrical pin 61 that extends through aligned openings in'thehousingwhich are arranged perpendicularto the axis28. To bias the arm so thatstrip 60 is urged toward the'wall of the I tubing spring, atensionspring '63 is connected between an upper tab-like extension 64 ofthe arm and a pin'65 fixed within the housing below pin 61. The arm isprovided with a cut-out recess 66 which, in effect, is adapted toreceive spring 63 so that the armmay befully retracted.

It is thus evident that retraction of the arm 36 against the bias ofspring 63 occurs whenever the apparatus moves upwardly and portion 60engages an obstruction. Lower arm 37 is intended to provide similarretraction on downward motion. Thus, the lower end of arm 37 ispivotally connected to the housing by a pin 68 that extends throughaligned openings in the housing arranged perpendicular to axis 28. Theupper end of arm 37 has bifurcated portion 69 which receives the lowerend of arm 36 and a pin 70 extends through aligned openings in endportion 69, being received by an elongated slot 72 in upper arm 36 (FIG.3). Slot 72 extends along an axis disposed angularly 45 from a flatbottom surface'73 on upper arm 36. A flangelike, narrow width,wall-engaging strip 74 similar to strip 60 extends along and is fixed tothe outer edge of the arm 37.

In an exemplary completion operation, locating pocket 21 is inserted atan appropriate place in the tubingstring '14 and the strings 13 and 14a're clamped together by spaced clamps 15. Thereaftenthe array islowered into the casing 9 to a position as shown in FIG. 1. The size ofthe tubing strings 13, 14 and locating pocket 21 are selected relativeto the borehole size so that the tubing string 13 cannot occupy aposition in -a sector A (FIG. 3) which is a zone in which perforationsmay be made in casing 9. Forexample, referring to FIG. 3, a typicalcasing may have an inner diameter 7 /8", while the tubing strings may be2 /2" in diameter and clamped together with a spacing between them. Bychoosing the internal diameter for the: central section 26 to be 3% andholding the maximum overall width of the member 26 and tubing 14 tono'more than 4% it has been found that tubing string 13 will be locatedsomewhere between the dotted-line positions 13 and 13". This leaves asector A in which the tubing 13 cannot be positioned. The sector A withthe above-exemplary dimensions has 70 sector angle, or it may be definedas being 35 on either side of a central plane 76 extending through theabovementioned central axes 27, 28. Hence, by orienting a plane offiring within the sector A, it may be assumed that the tubing 13 willnot be perforated.

. With the tubing strings in position, the perforating apparatus '20,the spacer member-19, the orienting device 18 and casing collar locator17 are assembled, the spacer member '19 being chosen of a suitablelength so as to suspend the perforating apparatus 20 the desireddistance below the locating pocket 21. The plane of firing of theperforating apparatus is aligned with a longitudinal plane passingthrough the housing 35 and arms 36, 37 corresponding generally tocentral plane 76 in FIG. 3.

As the array of elements is lowered through tubing 14, the arms 36, 37are held in a retracted position (shown in dotted lines, FIG. 2) by thetubing. The retracted position of upper arm 36. places spring 63 undertension .while'rod 52 is in a lowermost position disconnectingelectrical contacts 44, 46. In lowering, the array of elements normallytends to rotate due to the cable torque so that when the arms 36,37reach the enlarged recess 29 the action of the spring '63 urges arm 36outwardly into the recess 29. Slot 72 in arm 36 andpin 70 in arm 37cause the lower arm 37 to rotate outwardly about the pivot pin 68.Spring 63 is under a. sufficient tension so that if the arms 36, 37 arenot precisely aligned within the sector A, the spring will force thearms outwardly with a 'sufiicient force to rotate the housing 35 withinthe pocket 21 until the arms areextended within the sector. Rotation ofupper-arm36 outwardly from the housing 35 also urges rod 52 upwardly'which permits tab member 51 to engage movable contact 46 toelectrically close contacts 44, 46 hence connecting the perforatingcircuit. The perforating apparatus-2 0 is now'aligned within sector Aand, at the same time, the electrical circuit is completed to permitfiring of the perforatingapparatus. It will also be apparent that inlowering the devices, the casing collar locator 17 provides an accurateindication when the orienting means 18 isadjacent or nearing the pocket21 so that location of the orienting-means Within the pocket can bereadily ascertained. p

In removing the array of elements, upward movement causes the strip 60of arm 36 to engage the transition section 24. Arm 36 is thus retractedinto the housing 35 carrying with it lower arm 37. Of course, as arm 36retracts. rod 52 moves downwardly so that spring 48 opens contacts 44,46 which disconnects the electrical circuit to the perforator.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, another embodiment of the presentinvention is disclosed wherein an orienting device 80 is disposed in aportion of a locating pocket 21. In this embodiment corresponding partsto those disclosed in FIGS. 1-4 are similarly designated. Thus, safetydevice 38, while shown in a rearranged manner with the switch invertedremains basically the same as described with respect to FIG. 2.

The orienting means includes an upper link arm member 81 pivotallyconnected at one end 82 in a central location in the housing or carrier35, the other end of the arm being bifurcated with elongated slots 83 inthe bifurcated sections 84, 85 (FIG. 6). A lower arm member 86 has anupper end portion 87 reduced in size to be received between bifurcatedsections 84, 85 and a transversely arranged pin 88 extending through endportion 87 is received by slots 83 to slidably and pivotallyinterconnect arms 81, 86. The remaining end portion of arm member 86 isalso reduced in size at 89 to be received between a bifurcated section90 of an adjustment member 91. The bifurcated section 90 and portion 89of arm member 86 are pivotally secured to the housing by a pin 92 whichextends transversely through both members. The pin 92 is located on oneside of the longitudinal axis of the housing spaced from opening 59 topermit complete retraction of arm 86 into the housing.

Cap screws 93, 94 received in sockets in adjustment member 91 arethreadedly received in the body of arm member 86 thereby clamping themembers 86 and 90 together. An adjustment screw 95 is threadedlyreceived in adjustment member 90 so as to bear upon the body of armmember 86. Thus, members 86 and 90 may be angularly adjusted relative toone another by loosening cap screws 93, 94 and changing the positioningof adjustment screw 95 followed by retightening of screws 93, 94. Thereasons for angular adjustment will become apparent from the discussionto follow.

Arms 81, 86 are resiliently biased outwardly of the housing 35 throughwindow 59 by means of a spring 96 secured between a lower pin 97 on thehousing 35 and an upper pin 98 on the adjustment member 90, the pin 98being offset from the pivot pin 92 so as to urge arm 86 outwardly of thehousing.

In the upper portion of housing 35, the lower end of rod 52 is pivotallyconnected at 99 to a connecting link 100 which has its other endsuitably bifurcated and secured to the lower arm 86 by a pin 101. Theapparatus thus far described operates in a manner similar to theoperation of FIGS. l-4 except that the movement of rod 52 is reversed.That is, as spring 96 urges arms 81, 86 towards an extended position sothat rod 52 moves downwardly to close the safety switch 38 to provideelectrical continuity for the firing circuit of the perforatingapparatus.

To insure a precise orientation of the arms 81 and 86, latching meansare provided to prevent the arms from collapsing while in an extendedposition. The aforesaid means includes a lower latching finger 103 tolatch the arm 86 in an extended position and an upper unlatching finger104 to unlock the latching finger 103. Fingers 103, 104 are normallydepressed into the housing 35 while passing through tubing by engagementwith the tubing wall and, when in locating pocket 21 extend outwardly ofthe housing 35 to permit latching of arm 86 in an extended position.

Lower finger 103 is generally triangularly shaped with sloping surfaces106, 107 forming an apex 105 which is adapted to protrude outwardly ofthe housing when the finger 103 is in a latching position. A tab portion108 ofi'set longitudinally from apex 105 and extending from theremaining or inner surface 109 of the finger is' pivotally connected tothe housing by a pin 110 so that the remaining surface 109 issubstantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus whenthe apex extends outwardly of the housing. The location of the tabportion 108 also is such that when the finger 103 is pivoted clockwiseabout pin to retract the finger 103 into the housing, the slopingsurface 106 is moved to a position substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the apparatus.

The extremity of the finger 103 adjacent to adjustment member 91 has alatch portion 111 extending inwardly of the housing which is adapted tocooperate with a latch portion 112 on the adjusting member 91. The latchportion 112 is arranged to extend outwardly and subjacent to the latchportion 111 when the arm 86 is in an extended position to be incomplementary engagement with latch portion 111 of finger 103. Theinterengagement of the latch portions 111, 112 prevents the arm member86 from inward movement towards the housing until such time as the latchportion 111 is pivoted outwardly of the housing to permit disengagementof the latch portions 111, 112. Thus, it will be apparent that the latchportions 111, 112 are disengaged while passing through tubing, andthereafter, when the arm 86 is extended outwardly of the housing a givendistance, the interengagement of the latch portions 111, 112 preventsthe arm from collapsing. Since the adjustment member 91 permitsadjustment of the given distance, it will be appreciated that the givendistance may be accurately set with respect to a given locating pocket21 so that once the arm 86 is extended, the locking of the arm 86prevents rotation relative to the pocket 21.

To permit unlatching of the arm 86 and raising of the tool, theunlatching finger 104 is disposed above the arms 81, 86 to engage theoffset section 24 of the tubing upon upward movement. The unlatchingfinger 104 is thereby moved to a retracted position. Unlatching finger104 is generally arcuate with an apex 114 adapted to extend outwardly ofthe housing when the finger 104 is within the locating pocket 21. Oneend of finger 104 is pivoted by a pin 115 located near the opening 59and above pin 82 of arm 81, the other end of finger 104 lying within thehousing and prevented from moving outwardly of the housing by engagementwith the housing above opening 59. A lever arm for the finger is formedby an inwardly extending tab portion 116 on finger 104. A spring 117 isconnected between the tab portion 116 and the housing to resilientlybias the finger 104 outwardly of the housing. A pair of parallel linkmembers 118, 119 interconnect fingers 103, 104, the corresponding upperends of the link members being pivotally connected to the tab port-ion116 of finger 104 and the corresponding lower ends of the link membersbeing pivotally connected to finger 103 at a point 120 outwardly of itspivot 110. Thus, inward pivotal movement of upper finger 104 istranslated through the link members 118, 119 into inward or clockwisepivotal movement of lower finger 104.

In operation, the apparatus orients a perforating apparatus similar tothe orientation described with respect to FIGS. 1-4. The latchingarrangement operates in the following manner. As the apparatus 80 islowered through tubing, the arms 81, 86 as well as fingers 103, 104 areretracted into the housing 35 and the switch contacts 44, 46 are open.When finger 103 enters the locating pocket 21 it remains retracted inthe housing because finger 104 is retracted, the linkage 118, 119thereby holding finger 103 in the retracted position. Thereafter, asarms 81, 86 enter pocket 21 they extend outwardly under action of spring96 and seek their maximum extension along plane X-X as shown in FIG. 6.Further downward movement of the apparatus permits finger 104 to enterpocket 21 and assume an extended position due to the action of spring117. The pivotal movement tively slidable members 125,

pivotal movement of finger 103, the finger 103 assuming an extendedposition. In the extended position of finger 103, latch portion 111 offinger 103 engages latch portion 112 of arm -86.thereby preventing arm'86 from in.- ward movement.

To retract the arms 81, 86, the apparatus 80 is raised and finger 104 isdepressed as it enters the tubing adjacent to locating pocket 21 Thepivotal movement of finger 104 is translated through linkage 118, 119into pivotal movement of finger 103 whichunlatches the latching portions111, 112 thereby permitting arms 81, 86 to be retracted into the housingas they are passed into the tubing.

In another embodiment of the present invention, orienting arms 36', 37as shown in FIG. 7 are pivoted to rela- 126 in the housing 35. Members125, 126 may be moved relative to one another by a spring 127 or thelike connected between the members. In this instance the electricalcontacts 128,129 may extend through the slidable members 125, 125 tocontact when they are close together yet separate when the arms 36, 37'are retracted. The adjacent ends of the arms 36, 37' are pivotallyconnected together at 130.

In FIG. 8, the resistance R of the perforating circuit in theperforating gun is shown connected between an electrical ground and thedownholeswitch 38 while at the surface the conductor 45 may be connectedby a switch 132 into a bridge circuit 133, the resistance R forming oneleg of the bridge. Also shown in the down- -hole circuit is the casingcollar coil 17. A low voltage source of potential 134 is also connectedacross input plied across the bridge 133. Current fiow through theresistance R does not occur until the switch 38 closes, i.e., when thearms of the orienting means are extendedl The current flow is, ofcourse, adjusted so as not to approach a value where the perforatingmeans would be detonated. However, once switch 38 is closed,agalvanometer 135 or like connected across the output terminals of thebridge provides an indication when the switch 38 is closed. Thereafter,switch 132 may be actuated to another position wherein a source of highpotential 136 is connected to the perforating circuit and theperforating meansmay be detonated.

It may be seen from the foregoing description taken with the drawingsthat apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention provides aperforating apparatus with new and improved orienting means for locatingthe plane of firing relative to a first production tubing so that thefiring plane does not intersect a second production tubing extendingalongside the perforating apparatus and moreover, the perforatingapparatus is prevented from premature firing by a safetydevice'whichdoes not completethe electrical circuituntil theorienting means properlylocates the perforating apparatus.

-While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described,it is apparent that changes and modifications may be madewithout departing'from this invention in its broader aspects, and.therefore the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changesand modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of thisinvention.

What is claimed is:

1. Au orienting and safety device for use in a bore hole having at leastone production tubing and an enlarged internal locating section in saidtubing, 'said orienting and safety device comprising: a carrier adaptedto be passed through the production tubing; at least one orienting armmovably connected to said carrier and adapated to be retracted relativeto said carrier to permit said carrier to pass through said tubing;means urging.

an electrical switch mounted on said carrier and including contactsadapted to be electrically connected and disconnected; and meansoperably mechanically coupling said arm to one of said contacts toelectrically disconnect said contacts when said orienting arm isretracted and to electrically connect said contacts when 'said'orienting arm is in an extended position in said enlarged section.

2. In apparatus for use in a borehole having at least one productiontubing and an enlarged internal locating 10 section in said tubing, thecombination comprising an orienting and safety device includingorienting arms secured within said device which are retractable withinsaid device to pass through tubing, means in said device normally urgingsaid arms outwardly of said device so as to extend and locate said' armsinsaid enlarged section;

a pair of electrical contacts in said device adapted to be electricallyconnected and disconnected; means operably connected to one of saidorienting arms to electrically disconnectsaid contactswhen saidorienting arms are retracted and to electrically connect said contactswhen saidorienting arms are extended in said enlarged section.

3. In apparatus for use in a borehole having at least ,one productiontubing and an enlarged internal locating section in said tubing, thecombination comprising an orienting and safety deviceincluding a housinghaving an elongated longitudinally extending aperture; a pair oforienting arms having end portions secured within said housing; means tointerconnect corresponding ends of said arms to one another; means tourge said interconnected ends of said arms outwardly through saidaperture;

-at least one electrical conductor terminating in said device;atleast-one other conductor in said device adapted to be placed intoelectrical continuity "with said terminated conductor; meansoperablyconnected to one of said arms -to electrically connect .said conductorswhen said interconnected ends of said arms are located in said locatingsection and to disconnectsaid conductors when said interconnected endsof said arms are within said tubing.

4. In apparatus for use in a borehole having at least oneproductiontubing and an enlarged internal locating *section in said tubing, thecombination comprising an orienting and safety device including ahousing having an elongated longitudinally extending aperture; a pair of4.5 orienting arms having end portions secured within said housing;-means to "interconnect corresponding ends of said arms to one another;means to urge said interconnected ends of said arms outwardlythroug'hsaid aperture; at least one electrical conductor terminating in saiddevice; at least one other conductor in said-device adapted to be placedinto electrical continuity with said terminated conductor; meansoperably connected to one of said arms to electrically connect saidconductors when said interconnectedtends of said arms are located insaid locating 155-1866111011 and to disconnect said conductors when saidinterconnected .ends are within said tubing; and a perforatingapparatusconnected to said device having a plane of Ifiring aligned with acentral plane extending through said arms and the central axis of saidhousing.

5. In apparatus for use in a borehole having at least one productiontubing and. an enlarged internal locating section in said tubing, thecombination comprising an .-.orienting.and safety device includingahousing having an elongated longitudinally extending aperture therein;a

5 pair 0f orienting arms arranged to be retractable into said housing;meansstointerconnect corresponding ends .of said arms iforrelativemovement with respect to one another; means to pivotally' connect theremaining ends *ofsaid. arms to said housing; means for urging saidinterconnected ends of said arms outwardly of said housing;

.a :pair of el'ectricalcontacts in said device adapted to be connectedand disconnected; means operably connected to one of said arms toelectrically connect said contacts when-said arms are extended andto-disconnect said contacts when saidarmsare retracted, said arms beingretracted when disposed in said tubing and extendable when within saidlocating section.

6. In apparatus for use in a borehole having at least one productiontubing and an enlarged, internal locating section in said tubing, thecombination comprising an orienting and safety device including ahousing having an elongated longitudinally extending aperture therein; apair of orienting arms arranged to be retractable and extendablerelative to said housing; an elongated slot in one end of one of saidarms; said other arm being bifurcated at one end to extend over saidslot; a pin member extending through said bifurcated end and said slotto interconnect the said bifurcated end and the said slot therebyinterconnecting said arms for relative movement; means to pivotallyconnect the remaining ends of said arms to said housing; means forurging said arms outwardly of said housing; a pair of electricalcontacts in said device; a slidable contact in said device arranged toconnect and disconnect said electrical contacts; and a rod connectedbetween one of said arms and said slidable contact whereby saidelectrical contacts are disconnected when said arms are retracted whilepassing through said tubing and said electrical contacts are connectedwhen said arms are extended within said locating section.

7. Apparatus for use in a borehole including at least one productiontubing extending through a level to be perforated and at least one otherproduction tubing and an internally enlarged locating section in saidother tttbing disposed above said level to be perforated with saidenlarged section having its major dimensioned crosssectional portionpositioned transversely to a longitudinally extending plane whichintersects the central axis of each of said tubings; means to securesaid tubings relative to one another; an orienting device comprising acarrier adapted to be passed through said other production tubing; atleast one orienting arm having an end portion movably connected to saidcarrier so that the remain ing end portion is extendable outwardly ofsaid carrier yet retractable relative to said carrier to permit saidcarrier to pass through said tubing; means urging the remaining endportion of said arm outwardly of said device so as to extend said armthereby to locate said device in said enlarged section; an electricalswitch mounted on said carrier and including contacts adapted to beelectrically connected and disconnected; and means operably mechanicallycoupling said arm to one of said contacts to electrically disconnectsaid contacts when said orienting arm is retracted and to electricallyconnect said contacts when said orienting arm is in an extended positionin said enlarged section.

8. Apparatus for use in a borehole including at least one productiontubing extending through a level to be perforated and at least one otherproduction tubing; an internally enlarged locating section in said othertubing disposed above said level to be perforated, said enlarged sectionhaving its major dimensioned cross-sectional portion positionedtransversely to a longitudinally extending plane which intersects thecentral axis of each of said tubings; means to secure said tubingsrelative to one another; an orienting device including a housing havingan elongated longitudinally extending aperture therein; a pair oforienting arms secured within said housing; means to interconnectcorresponding ends of said arms to one another; and means to urge saidinterconnected arms outwardly through said aperture, said arms beingretracted into said housing when in said other tubing.

9. Apparatus for use in a borehole including at least one productiontubing extending through a level to be perforated and at least one otherproduction tubing; an internally enlarged locating section in said othertubing disposed above said level to be perforated, said enlarged sectionhaving its major dimensioned cross-sectional portion positionedtransversely to a longitudinally-extending plane which intersects thecentral axis of each of said tubings; means to secure said tubingsrelative to one another; an orienting device including a housing havingan elongated longitudinally-extending aperture therein; a pair oforienting arms secured within said housing; means to interconnectcorresponding ends of said arms to one another; means to urge saidinterconnected arms outwardly through said aperture, said arms beingretracted into said housing when in said other tubing; a pair ofelectrical contacts in said device adapted to be connected anddisconnected; and means operably connected to one of said arms toelectrically connect said contacts when said arms are extended and todisconnect said contacts when said arms are retracted.

10. Apparatus for use in a borehole including at least one productiontubing extending through a level to be perforated and at least one otherproduction tubing; an internally enlarged locating section in said othertubing disposed above said level to be perforated, said enlarged sectionhaving its major dimensioned cross-sectional portion positionedtransversely to a longitudinally extending plane which intersects thecentral axis of each of said tubings; means to secure said tubingsrelative to one another; an orienting device including a housing havingan elongated longitudinally extending aperture therein; a pair oforienting arms secured within said housing; means to interconnectadjacent ends of said arms for relative movement with respect to oneanother; means for urging said interconnected arms outwardly throughsaid aperture, said arms being retracted when in said other tubing; apair of electrical contacts in said device adapted to be connected anddisconnected; means operably connected to one of said arms toelectrically connect said contacts when said arms are extended and todisconnect said contacts when said arms are retracted; and perforatingapparatus connected to said housing having a plane of firing orientedwith respect to a central plane passing through said arms and thecentral axis of said housing.

11. Apparatus for use in a borehole including at least one productiontubing extending through a level to be perforated and at least one otherproduction tubing, an internally enlarged locating section in said othertubing disposed above said level to be perforated, said enlarged sectionhaving its major dimensioned cross-sectional portion positionedtransversely to a longitudinally extending plane which intersects thecentral axis of each of said tubings; means to secure said tubingsrelative to one another; =an orienting device including a housing havingan elongated longitudinally extending aperture therein; a pair oforienting arms arranged to be retractable and extendable relative tosaid housing, one of said arms having an elongated slot at one endthereof, said other arm being bifurcated at one end to extend over saidslot; a pin member extending through said bifurcated end and said slotto interconnect the said bifurcated end and the said slot therebyinterconnecting said arms for relative movement; means to pivotallyconnect the remaining ends of said arms to said housing; means to urgesaid interconnected arms outwardly through said aperture, said armsbeing retracted when in said other tubing; a pair of electrical contactsin said device arranged to connect and disconnect; and a rod connectedbetween one of said arms and one of said contacts whereby saidelectrical contacts are disconnected when said arms are retracted whilepassing through said tubing and said electrical contacts are connectedwhen said arms are extended within said locating section.

12. An orienting device for use in a borehole having at least oneproduction tubing and an enlarged internal locating section in saidtubing, said orienting device comprising: a carrier adapted to be passedthrough the production tubing; at least one orienting arm having an. endportion movably connected to said carrier so that the remaining endpontion is extendable outwardly of said carrier yet retractable relativeto said carrier to permit said carrier to pass through said tubing;means urging said arm outwardly of said device soas to extend said 1 1 7arm thereby to locate said device in said enlarged section; a lockingfinger and an unlocking finger disposed above and below said arm andpivotally connected within said carrier so as to extend and retractrelative to said carrier; cooperating means on said locking finger andsaid arm to lock said arm in an extended position; and meansinterconnecting said locking finger and said unlocking finger forunlocking said cooperating means when said unlocking finger is retractedtowards said carrier.

13. In a borehole having at least one production tubing and an enlargedintern-a1 locating section in said tubing, an orienting and safetydevice including orienting arms having end portions secured to saiddevice so that the remaining end portions are extendable outwardly ofsaid.

housing yet retractable relative to said device to pass through tubing,means in said device normally urging said arms outwardly of said deviceso a to extend and locate said device in said enlarged section; alocking finger and an unlocking finger disposed above and below saidarms and pivotally connected within said device so as to extend andretract relative to said device; cooperating means on said lockingfinger and one of said arms to lock said one arm in an extendedposition; and means interconnecting said locking finger and saidunlocking finger 'for unlocking said cooperating means when saidunlocking finger is retracted towards said device.

14. In a bore hole having at least one production tubing an an enlargedinternal locating section in said tubing, an orienting and safety deviceincluding a housing having an elongated longitudinally extendingaperture therein; a pair of orienting arms arranged to be retractableand extendable relative to said housing; an elongated slot in one end ofone of said arms; said other arm being bifurcated at one end to extendover said slot; a pin member extending through said bifurcated end andsaid slot to interconnect the said bifurcated end and the said slotthereby interconnecting said arms for relative movement; means topivotally connect the remaining ends of said arms within said housing;means for urging said arms outwardly of said housing; a locking fingerand an unlocking finger disposed above and below said interconnectedarms and pivotally connected within said housing so as to extend andretract relative to said housing; cooperating means on said lockingfinger and one of said arms to lock said arms in an extended position;and means interconnecting said locking finger and said unlocking fingerfor unlock ing said cooperatmg means when said unlocking finger isretracted toward said housing. Y 7

15. An orienting device for use in a borehole having a least oneproduction tubing and an enlarged internal locating section in saidtubing, said orienting .devic'e comprising: a carrier adapted to bepassed through the production tubing; at least one orienting arm havingan end portion movably connected to said carrier so that the remainingend portion is extendable outwardly of said carrier yet retractablerelative to said carrier to pass through said tubing; means urging saidarm outwardly of said device so as to extend said arm thereby to locatesaid device in said enlarged section; a locking finger and an unlockingfinger disposed above and below said arm and pivotally connected withinsaid carrier so as to extend and retract relative to said carrier;cooperating means on said locking finger and said arm to lock said armin an extended position; means interconnecting said locking finger andsaid unlocking finger for unlocking said cooperating means when saidunlocking finger is retracted towards said carrier; and means to adjustthe position at remaining end portion is extendable outwardly of saidcarrier yet retractable relative to said carrier to pass through saidtubing; means urging said arm outwardly of said device so as to extendsaid arm thereby to locate said device in said enlarged section; alocking finger and an unlocking finger disposed above and below said armand pivotally connected within said carrier so as to extend and retractrelative to said carrier; cooperating means on said locking finger andsaid arm. to lock said arm in an extended position; meansinterconnecting said locking finger and said unlocking finger forunlocking said cooperating means when said unlocking fingeris retractedtowards said carrier; an electrical switch mounted on said carrier andincluding contacts adapted to be electrically connected anddisconnected; and mean operably mechanically coupling said arm to one ofsaid contacts to electrically disconnect said contacts when saidorienting arm is retracted and to electrically connect said contactswhen said orienting arm is in an extended position in said enlargedsection.

17. Apparatus to'r'use in :a borehole including at least one productiontubing and an enlarged internal locating section in said tubing, anorienting and safety device including: a housing having an elongatedlongitudinally extending aperture therein; a pair of orienting armsarranged to be retractable into said housing; means to interconnectcorresponding ends of said arms; means to pivotally connect theremaining ends of said arms to said housing; means for urging saidinterconnected ends of said arms outwardly of said housing; a lockingfinger and an unlocking finger disposed above and below said arms, meansto pivotally secure one of said fingers in said housing at a firstlocation adjacent to said aperture in a first longitudinal plane; meansto pivotally secure the other of said fingers in said housing at asecond location spaced fi'om said aperture and in a second longitudinalplane; cooperating means on said locking finger and one of said arms tolock said arm in an extend-ed position; and a linkage system pivotallyconnected at one end portion to said unlocking finger at a thirdlocation lying substantially in said second plane and pivotallyconnected at its remaining ends'to said locking finger .at a :fourthlocation lying substantially in said first plane.

18. In apparatus for use with a string of well pipe, the combinationcomprising a tubular locating section arranged -f0r endwis-e connectionin said pipe string and having an elongated portion enlarged relative tothe bore of said pipe to define ran olfset pocket in one principaldirection with respect to the bore of said pipe, a well tool longer thansaid offsetpocket and including an orienting device and a wellperforator, said orienting device including an arm having an end portionmovably mounted on said device so that the remaining end portion isextendable outwardly of said carrier yet retractable relative to saidcarrier for movement in a longitudinal plane, said arm be ing in aretracted position for passage through the bore 'of said pipe string andan extended position when received in said offset pocket, means forurging said arm outwardly which said cooperating means lock said arm inan exsaid perforator having .a direction of firing fixed with respect tothe plane of said arm so as to be oriented for firing with respect tosaid principal direction of said offset pocket.

19. For use in a borehole, a well tool adapted to be passed through astring of pipe and including an orienting device and a well periorator,said orienting device including at least one arm having an end portionmovably mounted on said deviceso that the remaining end portion isextendable and retractable in a longitudinal plane between a retractedposition for passage through the bore of said pipe string and anextended position when disposed in a location having a larger bore thanthe bore of said pipe string, means for urging said arm outwardly intoan extended position, means in said orienting device coupled to said armfor rele-asablylocking said arm in an extended position, said perforatorhaving a direction of firing fixed 13 14 with respect -to the plane ofsaid arm so a to be oriented 2,781,098 2/57 Bielstein 166-55 .1 forfiring with respect to said arm. 2,785,754 3/ 57 True 1665 5 .12,796,023 6/57 Abendroth 166-555 References Cited by the Examiner2,891,620 6/59 Bielstein 16635 UNITED STATES PATENTS 5 CHARLES E.OCONNELL, Primary Examiner. 2,408,419 10/46 FOSIEI 16655.5 BE J A IN BEDE E 2,630,182 3/53 K1011 166-9 N A 4 N xaml'qer' 2,653,007 9/53 Aston"166-9

19. FOR USE IN A BOREHOLE, A WELL TOOL ADAPTED TO BE PASSED THROUGH ASTRING OF PIPE AND INCLUDING AN ORIENTING DEVICE AND A WELL PERFORATOR,SAID ORIENTING DEVICE INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE ARM HAVING AN END PORTIONMOVABLY MOUNTED ON SAID DEVICE SO THAT THE REMAINING END PORTION ISEXTENDABLE AND RETRACTABLE IN A LONGITUDINAL PLANE BETWEEN A RETRACTEDPOSITION FOR PASSAGE THROUGH THE BORE OF SAID PIPE STRING AND ANEXTENDED POSITION WHEN DISPOSED IN A LOCATION HAVING A LARGER BORE THANTHE BORE OF SAID PIPE STRING, MEANS FOR URGING SAID ARM OUTWARDLY INTOAN EXTENDED POSITION, MEANS IN SAID ORIENTING DEVICE COUPLED TO SAID ARMFOR RELEASABLY LOCKING SAID ARM IN AN EXTENDED POSITION, SAID PERFORATORHAVING A DIRECTION OF FIRING FIXED WITH RESPECT TO THE PLANE OF SAID ARMSO AS TO BE ORIENTED FOR FIRING WITH RESPECT TO SAID ARM.